CuriosityStream: Expand your knowledge with on-demand documentaries

A niche streaming platform, CuriosityStream gives users access to numerous documentary series and features that cover a wide variety of topics. Whether you’re interested in the secret life of pets or ancient civilizations, technology breakthroughs or lifestyle topics, there’s something on the service to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Even better, you can explore new topics meant to both inspire and entertain.

CuriosityStream is available to watch worldwide, which makes it a great resource for frequent travellers. It also comes with several features meant to make streaming a breeze, from solid device compatibility to offline viewing. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with the service.

What is CuriosityStream?

CuriosityStream is an on-demand streaming platform similar to Netflix. However, it only hosts documentaries, both series and features the same as iwonder.

You pay a set monthly price and you gain access to the entire library of content. There are no lock-in contracts, so you can cancel your subscription at any time.

How much does CuriosityStream cost?

A subscription to CuriosityStream costs US$2.99/month or US$11.99/year. This is the standard plan that lets you watch videos in HD quality.

A 4K quality plan is also available for US$9.99/month or US$60/year. The platform is often running special promotions, so you might be able to score a discount when you sign up.

CuriosityStream content is also available as an add-on option through Amazon Prime.

Curiosity Stream

Sign up to an annual or monthly subscription and stream documentaries

Stream documentaries from across the globe from $2.99/month.

Last verified 23 Apr 2020

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Does CuriosityStream have a free trial?

Not at the moment, but the service used to offer a seven-day free trial which may be available again in the future. You can currently benefit from 40% off when subscribing to an annual plan

What content is on CuriosityStream?

As CuriosityStream specializes in documentaries, you’ll find thousands of titles from multiple categories available to stream, both docuseries and movies. The available categories are Science, History, Technology, Nature, Society, Lifestyle and Kids.

Popular titles include Amazing Dinoworld, History of Food and Living Universe. The platform offers original productions as well which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. These titles are always available worldwide, while some of the licensed content may vary depending on the country you’re in.

CuriosityStream devices

CuriosityStream lets you watch on unlimited devices at the same time, so you can share your subscription with your family. You can also watch on screens from small to big. Here’s the list of compatible devices:

Smart TV devices

• Android TV running Android version 5.0 and up
• Apple TV third generation and earlier via AirPlay
• Apple TV fourth generation HD and 4K Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV version 5.0 and up
• Roku TV
• Available Smart TVs’ market apps (recommended devices from 2016 and later): LG, Samsung, Sony/Android TV, TiVo and VIZIO

Mobile devices

• Android device 4.1 and up
• Apple iPhones, iPods, and iPads iOS 11 and up

Other devices

• Any laptop, desktop, PC or Mac
• Amazon Kindle 2014 or later
• Amazon Fire TV Stick
• Roku 2 to 4 and Roku Streaming Stick version 8.1 and up
• Chromecast
• Xbox One

How to watch CuriosityStream offline

CuriosityStream lets users download content for offline viewing so you can keep up with your watchlist on the go without burning through mobile data.

All you need to do is make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your mobile device. Open the app and navigate to the show you would like to save to watch offline, then hit the Save button (down arrow) located below the title. For a series with multiple episodes, you will have to select a specific episode to save.

You will find the saved show in the My Stuff section at the bottom of the app under the Saved category. Users are allowed to download up to 10 hours of content at a time.

CuriosityStream FAQs

• How do I cancel CuriosityStream?

  To cancel your CuriosityStream subscription, visit the Your Account page, select the Cancel link and follow the prompts to unsubscribe. If you signed up through iTunes, Google Play, Roku or Amazon you can only manage your account through their dedicated platforms.

• How much data does CuriosityStream use?

  The minimum speed to stream content on CuriosityStream is 0.5Mbps, but the recommended speed is 1.5Mbps. To stream in HD it’s recommended you have an Internet speed of 5Mbps and at least at least 25Mbps to stream in 4K quality. The data you will burn through can vary from 1GB per hour (HD) to 7GB per hour (4K).

• Does CuriosityStream have ads?

  CuriosityStream partners with sponsors to keep costs low. As a result, you may see one ad ahead of your program per sponsor per session or a simple slate acknowledging sponsors. Generally speaking, ads shouldn’t be too disruptive.

• Does CuriosityStream have closed captions?

  Approximately 85% of the CuriosityStream library offers English closed captions (CC). These are available across all devices.